South Australia Trials High-Tech Cameras to Catch Distracted Drivers
South Australia begins testing phone detection cameras at five Adelaide locations. After a grace period ending September 19, 2024, offenders will face $639 fines and lose three demerit points. The AI-powered cameras aim to reduce road trauma caused by distracted driving.
South Australia has begun testing mobile phone detection cameras at five locations across Adelaide.
The cameras are installed on existing digital signage at:
- South Road, Torrensville
- Southern Expressway, Darlington
- North-South Motorway, Regency Park
- Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross
- Port Road, Hindmarsh (to go live in the coming weeks)
During the testing phase (from April 2024), vehicles will be photographed and validated by SA Police, but no action will be taken against drivers. A three-month grace period will begin on June 19, 2024, during which vehicle owners will receive warning letters if drivers are detected using phones.From September 19, 2024, fines will be issued: $540 plus a $99 Victims of Crime levy and three demerit points.
The cameras use artificial intelligence to identify drivers using mobile phones, with images validated by SA Police. Camera locations were selected based on research by Adelaide University's Centre for Automotive Safety Research.
In 2024, 27 lives have been lost on SA roads, with seven linked to distraction. The initiative is part of a $15.9 million government investment to improve road safety. All funds raised from fines will go to the Community Road Safety Fund for road safety initiatives.
